Loan round-up

16 December 2013

mkdons.com

Jon Otsemobor returned from injury to play 90 minutes for Tranmere Rovers on Saturday while Izale McLeod also featured for Northampton Town.

Otsemobor, who missed the Rovers’ FA Cup with Budweiser clash with Peterborough United last weekend due to an injury sustained on his debut a week previous, started at right back for the Wirral club as they made the trip up to Carlisle United.

However, the Dons right-back wasn’t able to prevent Ronnie Moore’s side from suffering a third defeat in four games; a result which sees them slip to within two points of the relegation zone heading into Christmas.

Otsemobor and Tranmere fell behind after just one minute courtesy of a goal from Manchester United loanee Tom Lawrence and they were never able to fully recover; eventually losing 4-1, with former Dons striker Ryan Lowe grabbing a late consolation for the Rovers.

The 29-year-old returned to the line-up having missed the FA Cup victory Grimsby due to being cup tied and he almost had an immediate impact; doing well to control a high ball before setting up Ian Morris, whose shot was deflect wide.

Bury then took the lead from the penalty spot before the Cobblers drew level courtesy of an own-goal by defender Dean Howell.

McLeod then won a penalty for the visitors but Chris Hackett failed to hit the target from 12-yards and later on 67 minutes he was thwarted by a terrific save from Shakers ‘keeper Brian Jensen.

The Dons striker was eventually replaced on 79 minutes by Irishman Roy O’Donovan but Northampton were still able to hang on and lift themselves off the foot of the League 2 table on goal difference.

Next up for McLeod is a home clash with MK Dons’ Buckinghamshire rivals Wycombe Wanderers while Otsemobor has a tricky fixture with Gillingham to deal with on Friday night.